The Pittsburgh Penguins did not make a ton of noise this offseason. However, they did make a very intriguing trade at the 2025 NHL Draft. The Penguins acquired defenseman Connor Clifton from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Conor Timmins and a prospect.
Clifton spent the last two seasons with the Sabres. He was brought into improve their depth on the right side of the blueline. Unfortunately, Buffalo failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs while he was in town. And they elected to shake their roster up this summer.
Thankfully, he has some connections with his new team. For instance, he is familiar with new Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse. The two crossed paths while Clifton played collegiately at Quinnipiac University. He also has a connection with assistant general manager Jason Spezza.
This connection, however, is a bit different. They didn’t cross paths in the same manner Clifton and Muse did. Rather, Spezza and Clifton crossed paths while both were playing. More specifically, they dropped the gloves and fought each other during a game in 2018. The new Penguins defenseman opened up about this fight during an interview with Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News.
“Yeah, I’ve got to talk to him about that, too, actually,” Clifton said during the interview. “I was just trying to survive my NHL debut – just trying to survive out there – and ended up getting a fight with him. I know he doesn’t fight often. It was quick, and we served our time in the box.
“But, yeah, it was funny… he was looking for it more than me, I was just trying to survive out there for game one. I had a little laugh with him – I think it must have been a year or two after when he was in Toronto – and I hear, ‘Round Two?’ And I was like, ‘No man, we already got ours,’” he continued.
Connor Clifton Feels Penguins Trade Was Needed
Rebecca Villagracia/Getty ImagesPittsburgh Penguins defenseman Connor Clifton has unique history with some members of the organization.
Clifton had his moments as a member of the Sabres. However, there were also some rough patches in Buffalo. For instance, he was scratched nine times during the 2024-25 season. And overall, he felt his game wasn’t where it should be.
Something needed to give. While a trade wasn’t exactly expected, the veteran defender isn’t upset by it. In fact, he is excited and believes the change of scenery may be exactly what he needs to get back on track.
“I feel like I kind of lost myself. The change of scenery – I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin – I was really excited for the change. I want to get back to my old self and how I play and the impact that I have on the game,” Clifton told Surmacz.
Where Clifton Will Play in Pittsburgh
At first glance, Clifton’s role in Pittsburgh may seem a bit straightforward. He will occupy the right side of the third pairing. He will likely skate alongside free agent signing Parker Wortherspoon. And he could switch out for fellow trade pickup Matt Dumba at points during the season.
However, this is all contingent on the Penguins retaining Erik Karlsson for the 2025-26 season. If the future Hall of Famer is traded, things are shaken up a bit. Clifton could find time on the second pairing, which would allow Dumba to receive regular playing time. Dumba could see time on the second pairing, as well.
There is still time for Muse to figure out his defensive pairings. In any event, Clifton is happy to be a Penguin, and cannot wait to hit the ice. Pittsburgh begins its 2025-26 season on October 7th against the New York Rangers.
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